Bronze cross pattée with concave ends to the arms, an oak wreath between the arms, with integral loop for ribbon suspension; the face with a central oval medallion with the head of Queen Wilhelmina facing left encircled by a garter inscribed ‘VOOR KRIJGSVERRIGTINGEN’ (For War Actions), each arm of the cross with the initial ‘W’; the reverse plain with maker’s mark ‘KON.-BEGEER VOORSCHOTEN’ and ‘F.S.INV.’; on original ribbon with bronze ‘KRIJG TE LAND 1940-1945’ (Land War 1940-195) bar; with a corresponding ribbon bar bearing a bronze eight-pointed star indicating the award of a bar to the medal; in original fitted case of issue by Fa. V.Wielik of The Hague, the lower edge of the lid detached and reglued. The Cross was instituted on 16 March 1944 for those who had served a minimum of 6 months after 10 May 1940 in the Dutch armed forces, merchant marine or civil air service and “had performed well and shown good conduct”. The bar on this example was awarded for a minimum of six months’ service in an active army unit. Many were awarded to members of the Dutch Resistance who joined Allied forces in 1944 after the liberation of the Netherlands and fought on into Germany. An excellent example.
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